A border security bill passed the Senate Thursday and headed for the president’s signature. Only two Democrats were within the session when the Senate is on its August escape. The $ 600 million border security bill aims to put more agents and surveillance equipment along the U.S./Mexico border. Border states dealing with illegal immigration and drug trafficking have been pressuring the federal government to take concrete steps toward border security.
Bill pays for 1,500 new border security jobs
To pass the border security bill, the Senate convened a special session Thursday. The bill passed by unanimous consent, a parliamentary term for a voice vote that does not require the return of the entire Senate chamber. G.O.P. senators cooperated for a change. The Associated Press reports the bill funds U.S./Mexico border security jobs for 1,000 new Border Patrol agents, 250 more Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, and 250 more Customs and Border Protection officers. Money will even be allocated to new communications gear and more flight hours for unmanned surveillance drones. The bill sends about $ 200 million to the Justice Department for funding its efforts with the FBI, DEA and ATF in the fight against drug dealers and human traffickers.
Bill penalizes lawful immigration
For politicians trying to impress voters with their border security creed within the aftermath of Arizona’s immigration law, the border security bill is election year theatre. The Los Angeles Times reports that boosted fees on corporations that hire foreign workers legally through United States visa programs will pay for the $ 600 million bill. The package is an election year stunt that does little to address the complexities of illegal immigration, according to immigration advocates. When the border is secured a broader debate on immigration reform will ensue, politicians say, that will consist of a means to achieve citizenship for about 11 million illegal immigrants.
Special session is a special occasion
The Senate convened during its summer getaway for only the second time since the August break was institutionalized in 1970, the Senate Historical Office said. The New York Times reports the only senators present were both Democrats: Charles E. Schumer of New York and Benjamin L. Cardin of Maryland. Both the Senate and also the House had already passed the border security bill. But a re-vote was unavoidable after one of the Senate’s byzantine procedural rules was overlooked. After Hurricane Katrina in 2005 was the first and only other time the Senate has convened during summer recess.
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Associated Press
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Los Angeles Times
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New York Times
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